Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Southwestern Colorado, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Southwestern Colorado, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America by month

January

January in Southwestern Colorado is freezing and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Southwestern Colorado is very cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

March

If you are traveling to Southwestern Colorado in March, you will notice that it can be brisk and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

If you are traveling to Southwestern Colorado in April, you will notice that it can be brisk and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

May

If you are traveling to Southwestern Colorado in May, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

June

If you go to Southwestern Colorado in June, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you are traveling to Southwestern Colorado in July, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

August

August in Southwestern Colorado is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

September

If you vacation in Southwestern Colorado during September, you may see that it is relatively cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

October

October in Southwestern Colorado is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the correct type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

November

Traveling to Southwestern Colorado in November, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

December

Traveling to Southwestern Colorado in December, you will notice that it can be extremely cold and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

What to do in Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America

Southwestern Colorado offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the United States, making it a must-visit destination for tourists of all types. From the soaring peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the intricate canyons of the Colorado Plateau, this region offers a wealth of outdoor activities and cultural experiences to rival any in the world. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Southwestern Colorado that should be on every traveler's bucket list.

1. Mesa Verde National Park – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to incredible cliff dwellings and ancient ruin sites of the Ancestral Puebloans. Visitors can take guided tours through the cliffside dwellings, many of which have been preserved for more than a millennium. The park also offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and an impressive visitor center that showcases the rich history and culture of the region.

2. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – This historic train ride takes visitors through some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the region. The train follows a narrow gauge railway through the San Juan Mountains from Durango to Silverton, offering stunning views of the Animas River Valley and towering peaks. Visitors can choose to ride the train one way, take a full round trip, or add on a variety of special experiences like a wilderness adventure or a historic mine tour.

3. Telluride – This charming mountain town is a destination in itself, with its Victorian-era architecture, world-class ski slopes, and lively cultural scene. Visitors can explore the town's many art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, or venture into the surrounding mountains for skiing, hiking, or mountain biking. Telluride is also home to internationally known festivals like the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Telluride Film Festival.

4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – This stunning canyon is home to some of the steepest cliff faces in North America, with rocky outcroppings and sheer drops of over 2,000 feet. Visitors can explore the park's hiking trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs, or take a guided rock climbing or rafting tour for an even more exhilarating experience.

5. Ouray – This charming mountain town is known as the "Switzerland of America" for its alpine architecture and stunning natural vistas. Visitors can explore local shops, galleries, and restaurants, or take a dip in the town's famed hot springs. Ouray is also a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor adventures in the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

Whether you're a lover of history, culture, or outdoor adventure, Southwestern Colorado offers something for everyone. From rugged canyons to charming mountain towns, this region is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler who ventures this way.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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